World Rugby has announced CBS Entertainment Group will broadcast the Rugby World Cups – Australia 2027-29 in the United States Of America (USA).
The announcement was made on May 23 this year.
Streaming platform, Paramount +, will stream live & on-demand every match of the Rugby World Cups – Australia 2027-29 with select matches airing on linear platforms, CBS Broadcasting Inc. & CBS Sports Network.
Today’s announcement is a generational moment for rugby in the United States. This landmark partnership with CBS Sports and Paramount+ is tangible proof of our commitment to grow the game by connecting great rugby with sports fans wherever they are.
With their incredible reach and storytelling pedigree, CBS Sports and Paramount+ will be instrumental in building a coast-to-coast rugby community in a country already boasting over 800,000 players, a dynamic college system, a huge growth rise in women’s rugby, growing men’s professional league & a fanbase of nearly 40 million.
Alan Gilpin, World Rugby Chief Executive
By adding these championship events to our platforms, we’re elevating rugby’s presence nationwide and providing fans for the 1st time unmatched access to some of the sport’s most prestigious competitions.
Dan Weinberg, CBS Sports Programming Executive Vice-President
While the CBS Sports Programming Executive Vice-President announced the broadcast deal as “elevating rugby’s presence nationwide” & “providing fans for the 1st time unmatched access to some of the sport’s most prestigious competitions” in 2023, when the last Rugby World Cup (men’s edition) was held, all matches were streamed live on Peacock with select matches on NBC & CNBC – thus meaning in 2027 – the year of the next tournament – the broadcast won’t be “elevated” or providing fans “for the 1st time unmatched access”. It will be the same as 2023. It should be pointed out that coverage of the Rugby World Cup – Australia 2029 will be the same as the Rugby World Cup – England 2025, adding to the lack of ‘elevation’ & “unmatched access” by tournament time in 2029.
The Rugby World Cups – Australia 2027-29 will begin on Friday the 1st of October 2027 with the men’s tournament, with its final on Saturday the 13th of November 2027. The women’s tournament will be held in 2029 with dates yet to be determined but are likely to be held roughly in the same months as the preceding men’s tournament.
Our mission is to bring rugby to new audiences nationwide & this partnership between World Rugby and CBS Sports marks an extraordinary leap forward. By showcasing both our USA Eagles & broader international competition, we’re building bridges between American sports fans & the excitement of the global game. Together with CBS Sports & World Rugby, we’re proud to lay a new foundation for rugby’s future in the United States.
Bill Goren, USA Rugby Chief Executive Officer
Sydney Spectaculars 